High Court hears Athlone IT was warned not to set up cancelled course

The High Court has heard how Athlone IT was told not to proceed with a new course in audiology that has been scrapped after just one year.

Two students have taken legal action after the college failed to secure the accreditation needed to allow for placements.

Their legal team claims the Higher Education Authority, which provides funding for such courses, warned AIT not to go ahead with it.

Lawyers for the college have blamed a change in HEA policy for blocking its attempts to meet the required accreditation criteria.

Over half of those studying the degree are in the High Court today for the case, which is due to take two days.